Ano-rectal melanoma

Abstract

The incidence of melanoma of the ano‐rectum is discussed and the authors introduce 17 cases from the records of the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology. The anatomy of the ano‐rectum is described and some features which lead to difficulties are discussed. Of particular interest are the intermingling of squamous and columnar epithelium in the area and the problems of definition of the anal boundaries. Reasons are given for regarding only 2 of the 17 cases as truly rectal. Clinical details confirm the poor prognosis of this condition; the mean survival of the patients was 15 months. Pathologically, the most common finding was of separated tumors of the squamous and columnar mucosae, often with intervening satellite lesions of the mucosa or submucosa. Seven tumors showed junction change at the squamous mucous membrane. Theories of the histogenesis of melanoma in general are discussed and applied to the material under review. The authors conclude that it is probable that most melanomas of the ano‐rectum are primary in the anus with involvement of the rectum by direct or metastatic extension.

Abdominoperineal Resection Provides Better Local Control But Equivalent Overall Survival to Local Excision of Anorectal Malignant Melanoma

“…The other 252 were excluded based on title and abstract review. [6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13] Fourteen studies [6][7][8]10,13,18,20,24,26,28,29,31,32,34 originated from the United States, 10 9,11,12,17,19,23,30,33,36,37 from Europe, 6 21,22,25,35,38,39 from Asia, and 1 27 from South America. Of 63 full-text articles evaluated, 32 were excluded by full-text article review.…”

“…The design of all 31 studies was retrospective review. 10,17,19,21,23,24,[29][30][31]34,35,37,38 Five studies utilized nationwide database as a source of data.…”

Amelanotic Malignant Melanoma of the Rectum: Report of a Case

“…3,17 The prognosis of patients with rectal melanoma has been reported diversely, but it is generally regarded as pessimistic. 10,18,19 However, according to one report, there was no significant difference between the prognosis of patients with amelanotic melanoma and those with other melanomas of the rectum. 20 Rossetti et al 12 reported a median survival of 20 months in patients treated radically and 4 months in patients treated with palliative surgery.…”

Approach to Malign Melanoma in Anorectal Area

“…Mason ve ark. primer rektal MM tanısı için tü-mörün anal girimden en az 4 cm proksimalde yerleşmesinin gerekli olduğunu ifade etmiştir [13]. Bu nedenle erken tanıda rektal muayene ve rektoskopi önem arz etmektedir.…”